Microsoft has confirmed it will begin selling Xbox One without a Kinect sensor in the box. A standalone Kinect sensor for Xbox One will go on sale this autumn.

The removal of Kinect from the basic Xbox One package means that the console will now be sold in the UK at £349 and in the US at $399, rather than the original $499.

Microsoft has in the past refused to offer Xbox One without Kinect included, although previously U-turned on the fact that the device needed to be plugged in at all times.

The company has detailed changes to the Xbox Live Games with Gold programme, which will begin for Xbox One in June with two titles - Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Halo: Spartan Assault. The two Xbox 360 titles will be Dark Souls and Charlie Murder, and as a one-off bonus, a third title - Super Street Fighter 4: Arcade Edition.

It means that with a Gold subscription you will now presumably get four games free per month - two for Xbox 360 and two for Xbox One.

Since the beginning, we have focused on delivering great games and entertainment experiences for you. Your feedback matters to us and it shapes the products and services we build. Your feedback showed up in the Xbox One console we launched back in November and in the monthly updates we’ve delivered since.

Today, we’re excited to share more ways your feedback is impacting the products we build.

First, beginning on June 9th, in all markets where Xbox One is sold, we will offer Xbox One starting at $399*. This is a new console option that does not include Kinect. For $399, our new Xbox One offering will continue to deliver access to the best blockbuster games like “Titanfall,” “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” “Forza Motorsport 5,” “Dead Rising 3,” and the upcoming “Watch Dogs,” “Destiny” and "Sunset Overdrive." You will also be able to access popular entertainment apps, such as Twitch, YouTube, and Netflix, as well as watch live TV and use OneGuide. Finally, you will continue to be able to use many of the unique features of Xbox One including the ability to get game invites while you watch TV, switch between games and entertainment apps, enjoy Twitch broadcasts, and upload your favorite gaming moments.

There goes Microsofts last bone in their spine, well I hope this gives them the sales they obviously expect. I was wrong about them ever removing Kinect and I'll probably be wrong again but I suspect it wont.

There goes Microsofts last bone in their spine, well I hope this gives them the sales they obviously expect. I was wrong about them ever removing Kinect and I'll probably be wrong again but I suspect it wont.